If you banked your baby's cord blood...

smseltz80 · June 2011

Did your Ob charge a fee? I got a bill for $500 for his fee! I was livid, since this was not mentioned to me. I banked cord blood for my 3 year old son, and did not get charged ( it was a different doctor/practice) other then the hefty bill from viacord. I called the office and the billing person told me to speak to the dr. directly. This was an extremely awkward conversation to say the least! Finally, he was like I am sorry I didn't mention it to you, i always try to remember to. He told me to write a check for $200 instead of the $500. I told him that my husband lost his job 2 weeks before my daughter was born and were not going to even bank because of this, but since we did it for our son and we were receiving a discount for a sibling we decided it was important to do it. My doctor then said, ok, just write a check for $100. I found this so shady! Anyone else have to pay?

Gina418 · June 2011

Yep - I was charged $350. I wasn't charged with my first son. I guess the docs want to get in on the action. My insurance covered part of it - call your insurance company.

LoCarb · June 2011

With DD1 I had to pay $250 for the collection kit from the dr. DD2 there was no charge. I'm glad they changed their practice b/c you're right...it's expensive enough without additional drs fees. The dr should tell you upfront his policies and fees.

hmontty · June 2011

smseltz80:
Did your Ob charge a fee? I got a bill for $500 for his fee! I was livid, since this was not mentioned to me. I banked cord blood for my 3 year old son, and did not get charged ( it was a different doctor/practice) other then the hefty bill from viacord. I called the office and the billing person told me to speak to the dr. directly. This was an extremely awkward conversation to say the least! Finally, he was like I am sorry I didn't mention it to you, i always try to remember to. He told me to write a check for $200 instead of the $500. I told him that my husband lost his job 2 weeks before my daughter was born and were not going to even bank because of this, but since we did it for our son and we were receiving a discount for a sibling we decided it was important to do it. My doctor then said, ok, just write a check for $100. I found this so shady! Anyone else have to pay?

Don't even write him a check, unless your insurance will refund you. Ridiculous not to tell you. If he bills you again, send him $1 a month.

Julia Judd · June 2011

Mine was collected and stored free because I was a month early. CBR had a special team up with my hospital. I havent noticed anything in my bills that would go with the collection.

LynsiBHM · June 2011

if he can waive $400, he can waive the whole thing. What an A-hole! I've never heard of that, but now I'm going to check my bills!

Surreal123 · June 2011

That does should shady. It is ridiculous that doctors are charging for this. They receive money from the Blood Cord companies for every patient that donates the cord with them. My doctor's office has a sign up in the waiting room stating that are required to notify people that they do receive money from every patient that banks their cord. That is ridiculous that they would charge the patients as well. I don't think my doctor charged us.